University of North Carolina Athletics
Neagu Named Assistant Men's Soccer Coach
April 12, 2016 | Men's Soccer
"I would like to thank Coach Somoano and the University of North Carolina for this opportunity,” said Neagu. “I'm excited to join one of the truly great programs in college soccer and look forward to contributing to the programs success for years to come.”
Neagu served as head coach at Division II Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, for the past two seasons in 2014 and '15. He guided both his squads to post-season play in the Sunshine State Conference Championship, and led the Tritons to their first NSCAA national ranking in program history. Neagu quickly developed his club into a contender for the league title finishing one game out of first place in the 2015 SSC standings.
Prior to his stint at Eckerd, Neagu enjoyed success as head coach at NJCAA-affiliated Louisburg (N.C.) College in 2012 and '13. Neagu navigated the Hurricanes to consecutive Region X titles, highlighted by a runner-up performance in the 2012 NJCAA national championship game in his first season.
He was tabbed NSCAA South Coach of the Year and the Region X Coach of the Year in 2012 as the Hurricanes averaged over five goals per game, while assembling a 21-1 overall record and a 12-0 mark in the region.
A successful 2013 campaign saw nine more wins added to his team's total as his program developed into one of the top junior college programs in the country.
His playing background originated as a first team All-America at Bryant & Stratton (N.Y.) College before he helped VCU to two straight Colonial Athletic Association crowns on the pitch.
He led Bryant & Stratton to the 2001 NJCAA national championship as a player, and also had a runner-up finish the previous season in 2000 to his credit.
Neagu and Somoano, an Eckerd College Hall of Fame inductee in 2013, have worked together in recent years in the CASL Academy program.
“Cristian is the definition of a team player that will make our program better in a number of areas,” said Somoano. “I'm extremely excited he has joined us to round out what I consider to be an amazing coaching staff to serve our student athletes.”
Neagu translated his college skills to the professional level with respective stints with the United Soccer League (F.C. Syracuse), Player Development League (Richmond Kickers), United Soccer League (Richmond Kickers) and Major Indoor Soccer League (Baltimore Blast).
He has also served in player development director roles for different clubs in Washington D.C. and Virginia.
Neagu's coaching credentials include a USSF "A" license and a UEFA "A" prep license.
Neagu earned his bachelor's of science degree in sports management from VCU in 2006.
